Bato reminds cops: Steer clear of drugs, crime

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police chief, Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa Friday reminded anew police officers to steer clear of illegal drugs and crime as he vowed not to let-up in the ongoing drive against those involved in illegal drugs and criminal activities.

Speaking at the 115th Police Service Anniversary at the National Capital Region Police Office headquarters in Taguig City, Dela Rosa said the PNP has been given the order to go after illegal drugs, corruption and other crime activities.

“This marching order is to wage a stronger war against crime, illegal drugs and corruption. We are wasting no time in doing our part. Never in the previous years have we waged such a relentless war against crime and illegal drugs and never in present history have we awakened such fervor among our men and women to risk lives to save our youth and the rest of our countrymen from the illegal drug dealings,” he said.

Dela Rosa reminded police officers that the same marching order also applies to the ranks of the national police.

“Let me emphasize at this point that we are also waging the same war within the PNP to rid our ranks not only of the scalawags but of police personnel involved in illegal drugs. We can only be completely effective in our campaign against illegal drugs in the community if we win every campaign within our ranks. Hindi na siguro ignorante kayo sa mga nangyayari. Ang dami nating mga kasamahan ang na-involve sa illegal drugs,” he said.

Dela Rosa said that police officers who will be found to be involved in illegal drug activities and other criminal activities will be dealt with accordingly.

“Ito'y unacceptable. Hangga’t ako ang chief PNP, I will never tolerate that kind of misdemeanor. Tayo po ay inaasahan na itaguyod ang ating mandato na to serve and protect. ‘Di po tayo dapat involved sa kriminalidad at sa mga sindikato. Zero tolerance tayo sa drugs dapat,” he said.

“Ang sino man sa kapulisan na mapatunayang kasangkot sa illegal na droga ay mabibigyan ng nararapat na parusa. Magbago na ang dapat magbago. This is your chance to save your careers and live better lives. Maging mabuting ehemplo kayo sa ating mga kababayan,” Dela Rosa added.

He also urged young police officers not to idolize senior officers who have become rich after receiving money from illegal drug syndicates.

“Kayo mga bata pa kayo, mga PO1 pa kayo. ‘Wag niyong gawing model yung mga senior ninyo na ngayon ay namamayagpag sa pagtanggap ng pera sa illegal ng droga. Yung mga patong sa sindikato. ‘Wag niyo idolize yan. Masama. Hindi tayo nasa serbisyo para yumanan galing sa droga. Tayo ay nandito para ihinto ang problema natin sa droga. Kaya ang importante diyan, ‘wag kayong magpasilaw sa pera,” he said.

Challenges ahead

Dela Rosa praised the police officers of the NCRPO for their implementation of the PNP’s “Oplan Tokhang” and “Oplan Double Barrel” in Metro Manila which aim to rid communities of drug personalities and those involved in various crime activities.

“Natutuwa ako na masigasig ang pagpapatupad ninyo dito sa project Double Barrel laban sa illegal na droga. At nagpapasalamat ako at puspusan ang inyong pagsuyod sa pamamagitan ng Oplan Tokhang. Sa libo-libong illegal drug pushers at users na nag-surrender o naaresto sa ibat-ibang dako ng bansa,” he said.

Dela Rosa however pointed out that there are still identified drug-affected barangays in Metro Manila that have reported negative for surrendered drug personalities. He called on the NCRPO to focus its attention on these barangays.

“Nakita natin sa ating mapping sa Metro Manila, marami pa ring mga barangay sa Metro Manila ang drug-affected barangays and yet zero ang drug surrenderees. I pose this challenge to everyone, kailangan mag-surrender na yang mga drug personalities diyan sa mga barangay na wala pang nag-surrender,” he said.

Dela Rosa said that as the PNP’s campaign against illegal drugs has intensified, the average crime volume since July 1 has dropped to 49 percent.

“Siguradong bumaba na din ang insidente ng krimen na dala ng illegal na droga. Historic reduction yan,” he said.

Dela Rosa also reminded police officers that the campaign against illegal drugs has just started.

He called on them to be steadfast on their mission and to be strong against criticisms. Dela Rosa also reminded them to perform their task in accordance with the law and with respect to human rights.

“Let us remember however, that this campaign is just starting. Bagama’t marami kayong naririnig na batikos sa ating ginagawa, ipagpatuloy lang natin ang kampanya basta’t ang lahat ay ginagawa natin sa ilalim ng batas at paggalang sa karapatang pantao,” he said.